Chapter 141 – The Regretful Billionaire: An Unpredicted Reunion

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“What if I refuse to give it to her?” Paul clenched his teeth, lamenting his bad karma for having a friend like Eustace.

“If you refuse, I’ll have no choice but to help Danika to the best of my ability and send Marigold to jail. It doesn’t affect me anyway.” Eustace grinned widely, oblivious to Paul’s rage.

Marigold, who had been feigning sleep in bed, suddenly opened her eyes and appeared crushed. “Eustace, how could you do that?” Even though they weren’t close in real life, she treated him with respect, like a big brother. Why was he so heartless?

“You messed with the wrong person. It’s only fair that you pay the price.” Eustace shot her an icy look. He had been good to her, considering she was Paul’s little sister. After the incident, Marigold had Paul to thank for being her brother, or Eustace would’ve taken action against her even before Danika made her move.

“How dare she drive into Danika? Does she think I am a pushover?” Eustace seethed silently. Marigold gritted her teeth and cast her eyes downward. She dared not speak as she waited for Paul’s final decision. No matter which choice he made, she understood that she had no right to protest.

In a foul mood, Paul took a deep breath to keep his anger in check. “Okay. The factory’s yours.”

Danika beamed. “I have another request.”

“Danika Zellweger, you’d better not cross a line!”

“I want you to stay away from Steph and her family.” Danika stared at him with a grave look, her smile nowhere to be seen.

Paul’s expression soured, and he looked much more somber than before. “Do you think you’re that invincible, Danika Zellweger?”

“Not really, but Stephanie’s my friend. And I will do anything for a friend.” She met his gaze head-on. The tension in the air, which had dissolved earlier, returned with a vengeance.

Paul looked at her and finally broke into a laugh. “Looks like the deal is off the table. Fine, send Marigold to jail. I’ll not be involved in this matter anymore.” He was willing to part with some assets to guarantee her safety, but nothing could make him give up on Stephanie.

Danika was taken aback by his determination. Instead of regretting the failed deal, she was utterly shocked when she learned that Paul had no plans to let go of Stephanie at all.

“Danika, it’s fine.” Stephanie stepped in, hoping that Danika wouldn’t get into further problems with Paul because of her. Although Paul and Danika were already on bad terms, he wouldn’t harm her because of Eustace. Still, the consequences might be dire once Danika was on his bad side. Stephanie was worried by

Paul’s dogged pursuit, but she didn’t want Danika to get involved. “He won’t do anything to me. Don’t worry.

“Steph…” Danika looked concerned.

“It’s no use. He won’t make that promise. Even if he promises you, there’s no way you can guarantee that he keeps his word.” Paul was a man who dealt with both the authorities and the underworld; breaking a promise was second nature to him.

Eustace was worried that the deal would fall apart, and he advised Danika, “Take the factory and let this slide. It won’t affect how you protect Stephanie later.”

In his opinion, protecting Stephanie was tangent to the factory deal in exchange for Marigold’s freedom. No one would agree to such conditions-not even himself. Therefore, he knew that Paul would never agree to both requests.

Danika thought it through and agreed with Eustace. What mattered most was to secure the immediate benefit. Instead of hoping that Paul would keep his promise to stay away from Stephanie, Danika believed it was wiser to grow her power so she could better protect her friend.

“Alright. I’ll get the factory, and Marigold gets her freedom.” She nodded and sealed the deal. Worried that Paul might walk back on his words, she quickly had him draft an agreement. After they signed it, she finally allowed him to leave the hospital with Marigold.

Eustace walked Paul to the hospital entrance. “It’s just a factory. Don’t take it personally,” he said, patting his friend’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry, I’m your friend. I’m not going to ambush Danika Zellweger,” Paul had thought of doing so though.

“Marigold was in the wrong this time. You should discipline her. She won’t be as lucky next time,” Eustace said.

Paul nodded with a stern look but said, “When are you going to get your girl? You can’t expect me to always yield to Danika just because you’re going after her. How about you give up on her? I’ll get you a better chick.” Once Eustace was over Danika, Paul would immediately act on his grievance and get even with her.

Eustace shook his head and confessed, “I’m afraid that won’t work. I don’t have eyes for anyone else aside from her.”

Paul shook his head as well. “You’re hopeless.”

“What about you? Why are you obsessed with Stephanie? You don’t even like her.” Eustace worried that another argument might erupt between Paul and Danika because of Stephanie. He was in a difficult position, stuck between his good friend and his crush.

Paul scoffed and said, “No woman has rejected me before. Do you think I can let this go?”

“Is that all?” Eustace didn’t believe his words.

“Yes.” Paul nodded with certainty.

Eustace shook his head hopelessly. “Whatever. Just don’t lay a finger on Danika, or our friendship’s over.”

“You have my word,” Paul promised.

Eustace went back into the hospital after seeing Paul off. At the same time, Danika returned from going with Stephanie. She thanked Eustace upon seeing him.

“You don’t have to thank me. I didn’t help much.” Eustace felt a little guilty. “I’ve known Paul for many years. You can say he’s one of my few friends.”

“I know. That’s why I need to thank you.” Danika was grateful to him for not siding with Paul. She understood his feelings well. Had the same thing happened to Stephanie, she might not bring herself to go against her friend as Eustace did.

“If you’re worried about Stephanie, why don’t you ask her to go into hiding? Don’t let Paul find her.” Eustace knew Paul very well. If Paul said he wouldn’t give up, he meant it.

Danika shook her head in defeat. “She won’t leave.”

Not only was Stephanie not the type to run from her problems, but she also had to worry about her parents, who lived in Parrington. What would they do without her? What if Paul harassed them?

“I’ll try my best to talk some sense into Paul. As for Stephanie, you should tell her to be careful. She shouldn’t provoke him.” Eustace was uneasy with the situation. Knowing Paul’s stubborn and vengeful nature, he worried that something bad might happen if Stephanie provoked him.

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